Apium leptophyllum: Phytochemical analysis and cytotoxicity evaluation

Apium leptophyllum (AL) has significantly been used in traditional medicine. The present study was planned to evaluate the phytochemical screening and anti-proleferative potential of AL seed extract. Phytochemical analysis of seed extract was performed by HPLC and FTIR. Furthermore, anti-proliferative potential of ethanolic extract of AL seeds was evaluated on five different cell lines by using the MTT assay. Colony formation assay of ethanolic extract of AL seeds was checked on MCF-7 and A549 cancer cells. DAPI was performed to evaluate the induction of apoptosis by AL extract on MCF-7 cells. The HPLC analysis of ethanolic extract of AL showed presence of Thymol as main constituent. The FTIR analysis of ethanolic extract of AL showed presence of alcohols, carboxylic acids, alkanes, ketones etc. The results of anti-proliferative assay of ethanolic extract of AL showed concentration dependent antiproliferative activity on each cell line. The antiproliferative efficacy of AL was seen more in breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and lung cancer cells (A549) and least effect was shown on liver cancer cell line. Colony formation assay showed concentration dependent inhibition. By performing apoptotic assay on MCF-7 cell line using DAPI dye. AL treated cells showed apoptotic changes such as cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation. The current study confirms the potential bioactivity of the plant being investigated. Consequently, with continued pre-clinical and clinical research, this study could contribute to the development of a safe, affordable, and effective anticancer medication for the well-being of individuals.